Chapter 17: Transformation

From Gao Yin’s perspective, Gao Jun and Gao Huan were neither burdens nor threats; rather, they were assets. Even if they harbored ambitions to usurp the throne, they were not the preferred choice of Empress Dowager Lou. She cared only for her own biological son, and by releasing Gao Jun and Gao Huan, she could also balance the power of Gao Yan and Gao Zhan.

Moreover, it was best for her to handle this matter herself. If she could save Prince Yong’an and Prince Shangdang, who were destined to be executed by the emperor, her reputation for benevolence would spread far and wide. Even if Gao Jun and Gao Huan were not genuinely loyal in their hearts, they would have to publicly acknowledge her favor.

Gao Jun served as the Governor of Qingzhou, and Gao Huan had once been the Governor of Jizhou; both had notable accomplishments during their tenures. Rescuing them meant winning over part of the populace in those regions, which would greatly benefit Gao Yin. Especially Gao Huan, whose renowned military achievements included escorting Xiao Yuanming back to the Liang court—if Gao Huan sided with him, Gao Yin would gain an important ally against the Xianbei nobles in Jinyang.

When he returned to the Eastern Palace, night had fallen. The Crown Prince’s steward sent a servant to report that the number of death row prisoners was about four hundred, all detained in the Dali Temple prison. Gao Yang’s personal attendant came to confirm this procedure, and Gao Yin casually asked, “Has Father executed anyone else since then?”

The attendant smiled awkwardly, and under Gao Yin’s persistent questioning, cautiously revealed that Gao Yang had already left the palace. “Everyone leaving the palace... seems to be heading toward Empress Jingde’s quarters.”

Gao Yin sighed inwardly. The example he had used earlier to extricate himself seemed to have stirred Gao Yang’s malevolent intentions, inadvertently placing his grandaunt in peril.

“Thank you for your efforts.”

Gao Yin took a piece of white jade from his body and handed it to the attendant, whose face lit up with joy, repeatedly expressing his gratitude. Serving a nobleman always yielded rewards; otherwise, what would be the point of serving? Previously, the young crown prince had been inexperienced in such matters, but it seemed now he would be a good master indeed.

After sending away the visitors, Gao Yin ordered preparations for a meal. After dining, he returned to his study to write.

Kang Huer was puzzled. In recent days, the crown prince not only kept him close to serve but also ate with him, treating him with great courtesy. After finishing his manuscript, the prince would read it aloud to Kang Huer, seeking his opinion.

This was certainly a good thing for Kang Huer. The stories from the waning days of the Han dynasty, three hundred years past, were captivating. He listened with rapt attention, especially as the prince revised the text based on his feedback to make it easier to understand, which made Kang Huer feel deeply respected.

Previously, caring for the crown prince was an imperial command; now, protecting him gave Kang Huer a sense of purpose.

“This is the manuscript of the first fifteen chapters, finally completed.”

Gao Yin rubbed his aching arm. Rewriting the Romance of the Three Kingdoms by memory was no easy feat. Fortunately, he was quite familiar with this period of history. As crown prince, he had access to many books and documents. His mind functioned exceptionally well, and with the guidance of a seasoned warrior beside him, the quantity and authenticity of his writing improved significantly. The final prose surpassed even Luo Guanzhong’s in both style and accuracy.

He summoned his attendants and gathered his previous notes—the Classic of Filial Piety, the Book of Songs, the works of Mencius, and Buddhist scriptures such as the Inner Observation Sutra and the Sutra of the Hundred Buddhas—along with the manuscript of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. “Take these to the craftsmen and have them carved onto the wooden blocks as before. Finish this as soon as possible.”

The attendants obeyed, carefully carrying these precious books away.

Having completed these tasks, Gao Yin was somewhat hungry. After all, he was only thirteen, still growing, and if he did not eat enough, he might not grow tall.

Just then, an attendant reported, “Consort Duan has sent a midnight snack.”

“Oh?”

Gao Yin was slightly surprised and stepped outside. The senior lady-in-waiting of Duan Huaxiu, accompanied by several others, waited outside carrying exquisite food boxes. Seeing Gao Yin, they greeted him with graceful bows.

“Greetings, Crown Prince.”

“No need for formalities,” Gao Yin said, raising his hands. A gentle breeze seemed to rise as the senior lady-in-waiting approached with a charming smile: “Zhaoyi heard that the crown prince was so engrossed in his reading today that he forgot to eat. She specially ordered us to bring some food.”

Gao Yin’s face brightened as he welcomed them inside. At this moment, Kang Huer was no longer suited to remain indoors and stepped outside. The tall man’s presence drew curious but well-mannered glances from the ladies-in-waiting.

The senior lady-in-waiting carefully laid out the contents of the food box: sugar cakes, thin-skinned spring rolls, shrimp buns, honey cakes, venison jerky, fresh bamboo shoots, and a dozen other tempting delicacies, unlocking the wooden box’s clasps to reveal their enticing aromas.

Gao Yin reached out and gently fanned the fragrance toward his nose. His appetite stirred, and he picked up a piece of honey cake to taste. Immediately, a delightful sweetness spread across his lips and teeth.

“This honey cake was made by Consort Duan herself. The crown prince’s first bite was perfect. If Consort Duan knew, she would surely be delighted!” the senior lady-in-waiting flattered him, pouring a cup of sour plum soup. They shared the midnight meal, chatting and laughing about amusing matters.

When Gao Yin had eaten enough, the ladies-in-waiting packed away the dishes. Gao Yin sipped his tea and said to the senior lady-in-waiting, “Please kindly tell my aunt that Yin’er knows she cares for me. I will visit her sometime soon. If she has any requests, she can tell Yin’er.”

He reached to take the golden ornament from his body to give as a gift, but the senior lady-in-waiting smiled and gently pushed it back.

“Consort Duan is always kind to us servants. We serve willingly. Besides, family members exchanging food and drink should not be rewarded. When you visit Qingliang Palace to command us again, then it will be proper.”

Gao Yin chuckled softly. “In that case, I must prepare a return gift!”

The ladies-in-waiting covered their mouths and rolled up their sleeves, bidding him farewell.

After they left, Gao Yin peeked out from inside. “Huer, come in.”

Kang Huer returned indoors, the scent of women’s cosmetics filling his nose, making him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Suddenly, he noticed Gao Yin circling him half a turn, feeling puzzled.

“Huer, do you think I can learn martial arts from you?”

Kang Huer hurriedly knelt. “I’m just a rough fellow and cannot teach anyone. If the crown prince wishes to learn martial arts, he should seek a master.”

“Isn’t it a bit late to start strengthening the body now?”

Kang Huer actually thought it was. They had all started training from early childhood; thirteen was quite late. Yet he was not foolish and spoke tactfully: “The crown prince is naturally different from ordinary people.”

Gao Yin laughed heartily. “Then start teaching me horse riding and archery tomorrow! Once I’ve learned, we’ll leave the palace, and I’ll take you to do some fun things.”

The crown prince wanting to learn horseback archery from him filled Kang Huer with pride. The promised fun adventures made him look forward eagerly.

In the following days, aside from handling Eastern Palace affairs and writing, Gao Yin dedicated himself to horseback archery.

He considered inventing stirrups but abandoned the idea because, decades earlier during the Northern Wei period, rigid metal stirrups—double-sided—had already been invented. This made mounting and controlling a horse much easier for him.

Fortunately, horseshoes had not yet appeared, which comforted Gao Yin, as it meant he could still invent something new. As for archery, that was a matter of talent. According to Kang Huer, with diligent practice, one could always hit the target.

Thus, these days, Gao Yin no longer rode in a sedan chair or carriage. Instead, he galloped through the palace on horseback. Though unconventional, the emperor’s own bizarre behavior made it seem less strange.

The Han people, who valued ritual propriety, felt heartbroken and believed the crown prince had been made foolish by the emperor. Yet the Xianbei officials looked at the prince with newfound respect. His imperial uncle Gao Yan remarked to others, “Unexpectedly, the crown prince has such a free and easy side. It seems he will inherit the supreme courage!”

These words sent a chill through the heart, even making Gao Yan shudder involuntarily.

One day, sunlight finally streamed into the prison cells of the Dali Temple. Gao Yin came to see the death row prisoners who were detained there.